How To Design An Effective Access Control System Design?
Oct 14, 2024 | LAST UPDATED ON Oct 14, 2024 BY VIBHAV SINGH
In modern spaces like offices, buildings, and other facilities, access control management systems are now playing a huge role. As an AV designer, we understand that designing an access control system is not a breeze. It becomes difficult for designers and security system engineers to first understand the requirements of their clients, then analyze their spaces and to deliver fully integrated access control solutions for reducing unauthorized access to their premises.
This guide is designed to help security engineers and AV designers understand the requirements needed to design an access control system that creates efficient security infrastructure and guarantees the security of clients’ data and facilities. Lastly, we’ve introduced an amazing tool that can make your job easier and 10X your design process. So, stick around and let us take you through this with our guide.
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Key Takeaways
- Explore the importance of understanding the client’s security needs and vulnerabilities first.
- Stay updated with the latest audio visual technologies to create a future-proof access control system design.
- Discuss the budget in detail with your client to avoid any further losses and provide a long-term value for your access control services.
- Learn about the most advanced AV system design tool in the industry to ensure the accuracy and timely delivery of security design and installation projects.
4 Crucial Elements of an Access Control System Plan and Design
To plan an effective access control system, you require a solid plan and ensure that the system is designed according to the security requirements of your clients. Let’s break down the 4 crucial elements when considering access control system design to meet the unique needs of your clients:
Scope of system
Defining the scope of the access control system is the foundation of a successful design. This will include identifying who needs access, where the access control is required, and what type of access is required.
Important things to consider here will be the number of users, doors, and zones that need to be controlled. Are there any different levels of access required? Are there areas that need access control authentication or special clearance? By answering these few questions, you can get started with your access control system design.
Authentic Methods
Authentication is a process where you verify the identity of anyone and everyone attempting to access the facility. Some common credential and access methods are PIN codes, biometrics, proximity cards, and smart cards. Each method has its own pros and cons, but what you choose depends on the requirements of your client and the location you might be working on.
For example, if you’re creating an office access control system, proximity cards are the most popular credential. You’ll design and feed data into the access system so only authorized personnel can enter. This way, only the employees will be able to access the facility, ensuring safety.
Monitoring and testing
Another crucial element of a successful and functional access control system is monitoring and testing. Here, you set up a system that is capable of detecting security breaches while constantly testing it to ensure there are no loopholes and the security is maintained effectively.
We suggest that you implement features like real-time alerts, video surveillance integrations, and regular system audits. Regular testing will not only ensure optimal functioning of the system but will also cater to a safer and more secure system.
Project costs
An access control system is no doubt an expensive investment. This not only includes the cost of equipment, but there are a lot more things involved. The cost will also include your labor charges, software that will be utilized, maintenance, upgrades, and training.
By considering all these costs, you can come up with a reasonable budget to pitch to your clients and ensure that the demands of both parties are met without breaking the bank.
To make this process easier, we suggest you choose proposal management software like XTEN-AV x.doc, which has pre-designed proposal templates with features like a customizable pricing table, real-time tracking, and E-signatures.
Where are Access Control Systems Used?
The fact about access control systems is they can never be one size fits all. Every user has their own security needs, and how you design that system can make all the difference. Let’s explore some real-life access control use cases.
Commercial Buildings
When we talk about spaces like commercial buildings, we need to keep in mind that they require a very flexible yet strong access control system that accommodates varying levels of access.
A commercial building access control system will usually use proximity cards, contactless cards, PIN codes, and mobile options to make accessibility safer and smoother at the same time. This system will also incorporate visitors’ data and track who’s coming and going. By integrating this access control system, commercial building owners can foster a more secure and convenient space for all visitors.
Educational Institutions
While most feel education is an easy sector, we believe it’s the trickiest one; it has its own unique challenges. From protecting students and staff to securing sensitive areas like labs, admin offices, and even classrooms, the level of security varies widely. You must create an access control system that incorporates advanced mobile and cloud-based access control, which can frequently provide strong physical and cyber security protection. For example, students should not have access to the admin office or the staff room, whereas access to dormitories should be restricted as all students might not be living there.
Healthcare Facility
Healthcare definitely requires very strict access control to ensure the protection of patients’ data, medical supplies, and controlled substances. For hospitals and clinics, it’s really important to protect sensitive areas like pharmacies, operating rooms, and their data centers. For example, a hospital can use a role-based access control system to ensure only authorized people have access to specific zones while keeping track of who accesses the data.
Government Facility
Facilities like courthouses, federal buildings, and other government spaces require the highest level of security. Spaces like these must be equipped with strict access control only limited to assigned personnel. Data security is one of the major aspects to consider, although there are many more things that a government facility needs to protect. For such types of high-security buildings or government entities, you just need to add biometrics/scanners with multi-factor authentication in your access control system management strategy before sharing with your client or installation team.
What are the Architectural Considerations of Access Control System Diagram?
While diagramming an access control system, it’s important to focus first on the needs of the client and then on the needs of the facility. An AV designer can only craft an excellent access control system diagram when they are aware of the space, the requirements, and the latest technologies. A smartly designed access control system should be efficient and cost-effective. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind while designing:
Review the building’s blueprint:
When you go on to the designing part it’s important that you understand the blueprint of the location. This will help you in analyzing the space better. There is a high chance that the visual aspect might differ from the actual floorplan. By thorough research, you will be able to understand a bit about the history of the building and also have a peek at the electrical systems. Through this, you’ll be able to judge where each unit of access control will be planned. To incorporate this analysis in your access control system diagram, you can use AV design software like X-DRAW, which lets you upload and edit the floor plan according to your client’s requirements.
Consult local officials:
It’s possible that you’re not aware of the local rules and regulations of the region you’ll be working in. Hence, it becomes important that you get in touch with local officials who can guide you regarding electrical work, building codes, and fire codes. With this knowledge, it will become easier for you to design or plan an access control system panel that is full proof and according to the guidelines.
Consider Power backup:
Another important factor that you should consider is the power backup in the area. Design an access control system that is ready to face power outages and ensures that it has a reliable power backup at all times. When we talk about access control, safety is a priority, so you, as a security system integrator or AV designer, are liable to provide a design that is secure and ready for all situations.
Step By Step Guide For Access Control Design
An access control system should be designed in such a way that it includes all safety and security needs of your clients. This can only be done through vigorous research and planning. Here, we have mentioned a few steps that audio visual designers should follow to create an access system that is equipped with all things important:
1. Assess The Security Requirements
The very first step is to analyze the security requirements of your client’s space. Without understanding where the most security is required and what section requires what kind of security, it isn’t possible for you to create a successful design. Here’s a short list of things you must consider at this stage:
- Size of the location
- Number of people you have to cater
- Security requirements
- Available resources (power backup, data backup, etc.)
- Regulatory compliance
The moment you actually start your access control systems design framework, there will be things that come up in your head that should be cleared so you don’t waste time in designing something that is not even apt for the location.
2. Define Access Levels and Permissions
Now, the next step would be to understand the access levels and permissions required within the client’s location. It could be a building, a corporate office, a store, or literally anything. So, let’s take an example of a corporate office; the first thing is only the people part of the organization should have access, now the second level is a server room in the same office. Obviously not everybody will be allowed; only the people responsible and permitted will access this area. That is how you’ll deeply understand the access control levels for any client.
3. Choose the Right Access Control Technology
When you’ve already understood the client’s requirements, it will be easier for you to figure out what kind of technology to choose. This could be anything from just a card to a biometric scanner. Again choosing the right access control technology also depends on a few factors like the ease of use, the level of security required, and future growth opportunities.
4. Implement Physical Security Measures
It’s time to finally bring all your hard work to life. Now that you’ve finally created your designs, keeping the above things in mind, you’ll now start the installation process. Install the hardware at the entrance and all the sensitive areas. However, make sure that the hardware is connected right so your client stays safe and secure with their data. As you install the hardware, integrate it with the chosen access control technology to make the functioning smooth.
5. Establish User Enrollment and Authentication Processes
In this stage, you’ll classify all the users into different stages of access. But first, you’ll have to gather the data. For example, if you have set up a biometric system, you’ll first take the biometrics of the employees and then feed it into the software and provide access accordingly. This is a crucial process that might take some time, so it’s okay to take your time but ensure its completed successfully.
6. Set Up Monitoring and Reporting
Don’t think now your work is finished. There are a few more steps to cover. How do you plan to store the data?? Yup, for that, you’ll have to set up monitoring and reporting to track and record access in real time. The access control system you set up should also be able to generate reports to analyze the patterns and identify any abnormalities. This system will play a huge role in investigating any kind of security breach.
7. Integrate with Existing Security Systems
Most people have security cameras and intrusion detection kind of things before they actually have a control system. You can use them to enhance the operation of an access control system that you just installed. You can integrate it with the video cameras, making security breaches easier to track.
8. Regularly Review and Update
First, it’s important to provide training and share all the access control system design and installation documents to the authorized personnel, so they are also able to maintain it by themselves. However, it is suggested you, as an AV professional, ensure that the system is regularly updated to maintain security requirements.
What Factors to Consider While Planning and Designing Access Control Systems?
An audio video designer is generally aware of what things to consider when we talk about designing other things like a conference room or something. However, designing an access control system is a bit difficult. So here’s what factors you need to consider:
Analyze the security needs
Ok, so when you go on to analyze the security needs, you’ll first have to see all the location vulnerabilities. When you have that data, then analyze what the access points, the main entrance, parking, server room, etc are. As you go further with the design you’ll have to focus strongly on the access criteria as to who should be given access to which area.
Define budget
The very next important factor to discuss with your client is the budget. Make sure you understand the requirements and if the client is providing a logical budget according to their expectations. Access control design requires a lot of effort and technical equipment like hardware/software, biometric machines, cards, cameras, and more such devices. So it’s better to clarify and keep a reasonable budget that covers all the costs, including your fees and equipment to be installed.
You can also use BOM management platform like XTEN-AV Software that creates an automated BOM for the audiovisual products you add to your Access control system diagram.
Coordinate with different Departments
We suggest that you coordinate with other departments as well to get a better idea of their in-depth requirements. This will help you design a very customized access control system that satisfies all departments and the overall space. However, this can only be done in office spaces or government facilities
Procure smartly
Now that you have all the above things and have considered them in your design, you’ll also have to procure the equipment. We know as an AV professional, you might have vendors in your contacts, but still, ensure you get the products at the right prices, and the brands are approved by clients. This will help you steer clear of any future mishaps as everything is approved by the client.
How You Can Automate Your Access Control System Design Documentation With XTEN-AV?
In this guide, we’ve explained in detail every measure you need to take to design an access control system. But what if we tell you that you can save yourself from all these struggles by just using an access control system design software? Intriguing right? Let’s get a better understanding of why you should use one and what benefits you could possibly get.
Pre-designed Access control system design template:
At XTEN-AV’s X-Draw, you get a pre-designed template that you can use as it is or make any required changes to the template, and your design will be ready in minutes.
DFY proposal template:
Now that you’ve created the design, we won’t let you waste your precious time on designing a proposal from scratch. So XTEN-AV’s x.doc also has a pre-designed proposal template for you that can easily be modified according to your brand and client’s requirements.
There’s a lot more you get with XTEN-AV. Get in touch with our experts to get a free demo or directly get a 15-day free trial.
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Conclusion
Let’s have a quick recap of the above blog. This guide has taught you all the things to consider while designing an access control system; it also shares a step-by-step guide that you can follow to achieve a flawless plan to impress your client. Most importantly, we have a shared tool for all security system integrators and AV designers that can help you 10X your diagram and documentation process. Would you like to hop on with these AI automation tools or stick to your hectic, time-consuming manual process? The choice is always yours! Book a demo or get a 15-day free trial today!
FAQ's
Access control system is all about security and safety. Although an access control system design would incorporate authentication methods like biometrics, PIN codes, and other methods. The design is mainly about how the security system will be placed where all the equipment goes, and it also includes an access control strategy.
The controller receives the encoded tag number from the reader, deciphers it, and checks it against the approved ID numbers in the system. If it matches and the user is allowed to enter, the door will unlock.
Yes! There are majorly four main access types, and all have different roles to play:
- Mandatory access control (MAC)
- Role-based access control (RBAC)
- Discretionary access control (DAC)
- Rule-based access control (RB-AC)
It’s important to understand they all function differently and have different roles to play. What you choose depends on the location and type of space you’re working on.
To design and implement an effective access control solution:
- Assess needs: Identify who needs access to what areas and when.
- Choose a system: Select a suitable access control system (e.g., card, biometric, or keyless).
- Set up infrastructure: Install hardware and software.
- Define access levels: Create user groups and assign permissions.
- Test and train: Ensure system functionality and user understanding.
- Monitor and maintain: Regularly review and update access controls to ensure ongoing security.
A control system includes various components, but here are the top 3 things that a control system should include. First would be identifiers that are usernames or biometrics, then comes authentication methods such as passwords or fingerprints, and finally comes the authorization process, which defines who is allowed in the facility and who is not.
